Apple Brie Crostini with Hot Honey is an elegant appetizer that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. This dish pairs crisp apple slices with creamy Brie cheese, all topped with a drizzle of spicy hot honey. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a delicious starter for a special meal, these crostini are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
1-2 apples, thinly sliced
2-3 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Crostini:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush each slice with olive oil.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Assemble the Crostini:
Place a slice of Brie on each toasted baguette slice.
Top with a few slices of apple.
Make the Hot Honey:
In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the honey and red pepper flakes.
Microwave for 15-20 seconds, just until the honey is warm and easy to drizzle.
Finish and Serve:
Drizzle the hot honey over the apple-topped crostini.
Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of sea salt, if desired.
Serve immediately while the Brie is slightly melted and the crostini are still warm.
Serving Tips:
Serve Warm: For the best flavor, serve the crostini warm. The Brie should be slightly melted, and the hot honey should be freshly drizzled.
Plating: Arrange the crostini on a large platter or a wooden serving board for a rustic and appealing presentation. Garnish the platter with extra thyme sprigs or apple slices for a decorative touch.
Pairing Ideas: These crostini pair wonderfully with a light white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. They also complement other appetizers like prosciutto-wrapped asparagus or a fresh green salad.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. However, the crostini may lose some of their crispness.
Reheating: To reheat, place the crostini on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will help regain some of the crisp texture, though the Brie may melt more.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the components ahead of time. Toast the baguette slices and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Slice the apples just before assembling to prevent browning. The hot honey can be made in advance and stored at room temperature.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Brie?
Yes, you can substitute Brie with other soft cheeses like Camembert or goat cheese. These options will still provide a creamy texture that pairs well with the apples and hot honey. Just note that each cheese will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
How can I keep the apples from browning if I’m preparing the crostini in advance?
To prevent the apple slices from browning, you can toss them lightly in lemon juice. This will help maintain their fresh appearance without altering the flavor significantly. Be sure to add the apples to the crostini just before serving for the best presentation.
Is there a way to make the hot honey less spicy?
Absolutely! You can control the heat by reducing the amount of red pepper flakes in the honey. Start with a smaller amount, and add more to taste if you prefer a milder spice. Alternatively, you can omit the red pepper flakes altogether for a sweet honey drizzle.
Can I make the crostini gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free baguette or bread. Slice and toast it as you would with a regular baguette, and proceed with the recipe as directed. This way, guests with gluten sensitivities can also enjoy these delicious crostini.
Conclusion:
Apple Brie Crostini with Hot Honey is a must-try appetizer that combines gourmet flavors with ease of preparation. Whether for a special occasion or a casual gathering, these crostini will leave your guests raving. Enjoy the delightful mix of sweet, savory, and spicy in every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Apple Brie Crostini with Hot Honey
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 crostini
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Brie Crostini with Hot Honey is a quick and elegant appetizer that combines the tartness of fresh apple slices with creamy Brie cheese, all topped with a drizzle of spicy hot honey. Perfect for entertaining, this easy-to-make recipe offers a delicious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
1–2 apples, thinly sliced
2–3 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crostini: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush each slice with olive oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Crostini: Place a slice of Brie on each toasted baguette slice. Top with a few slices of apple.
- Make the Hot Honey: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine honey and red pepper flakes. Microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm and easy to drizzle.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the hot honey over the apple-topped crostini. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of sea salt, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Choosing Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor, or try sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp.
Customizing Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
Make-Ahead Tips: Toast baguette slices and make the hot honey in advance. Assemble just before serving for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 crostini
- Calories: 130 kcal per crostini
